The original post: /r/television by /u/Stebeans on 2026-01-24 00:56:08+00:00.
I understand this isnt a blanket statment for everyone, and i suppose this can be applied to most forms of art and media.
This is inspired by the recent hate train on shows like the office (I enjoy it but am not a die hard fan by any means).
When it comes to old media, why is it so wrong for things to exist as they are? We find faults with actors, directors, scripts, content- and yes, its good to understand the current climate and how we can progress and improve content.
Still, just because Jared Leto is a shit bird why should we cancel 30 Seconds to Mars? Didn’t many individuals contribute to the success and development of the music? Kevin Spacey is a monster, but that doesn’t change the fact that a lot of the projects he was involved in were amazingly done (these comments in particular are more toward criticism and hate based on the artist involved).
Besides the artist, what is so wrong about viewing things as products of their time? Yes, the Office can be cringe and dated at times, but i still find myself relating to a lot of the characters. The faults, flaws, and toxic traits are real and always remind me of people in my life as well. I can be cringe. My friends and family can be cringe. There’s an element of realness and authenticity to that.
it can honestly feel like we are shifting towards some completely sterile, clinical, and empty form of media sometimes. I enjoy shows like B99 but they are also empty to a degree. No commentary on real issues, no racial divides that can be addressed and overcome, no real meaning that can stick with you to any profound degree, no matter how small. Random example to compare to a show like the office.
A show like the Wire I love because the characters are dynamic, contain depth and feel genuine. The corruption with the Baltimore police, a commentary on racial divide and systemic oppression. Things can be dirty, and offensive and still speak to you in a deep way.
To whoever read, thanks. Having a rough day and needed to vent about anything I guess.